Project Overview
SANDAG and the North County Transit District (NCTD) are
leading efforts to stabilize portions of the coastal bluffs in the
City of Del Mar. This integral part of the 351-mile Los Angeles – San Diego –
San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) rail corridor is a vital link for passenger and
freight movements within San Diego County, as well as between San Diego, Los Angeles,
and points farther north.
Questions? Call our construction hotline at (858) 549-RAIL or email us at [email protected].
Previous Bluff Stabilization Efforts
Since 2003, SANDAG and NCTD have completed four stabilization projects along coastal bluffs between Coast Boulevard and Torrey
Pines State Beach. These stabilization projects saw the installation of more
than 230 support columns into the bluffs and critical investments into drainage infrastructure to help reinforce and protect the Del Mar bluffs.
Construction of Phase 4 occured from May 2020 to January 2021. Improvements included the installation of additional support columns to stabilize localized areas and sea walls, construction of a drainage channel on
top of the bluffs, repair concrete channels and storm drain outfalls, and
stabilization of existing headwalls.
Future Improvements
SANDAG and
NCTD have identified the funding needed to accelerate the final two phases of
stabilization projects, Del Mar Bluffs Phases 5 and 6. Phase 5 is currently
funded through construction and will address additional seismic and general
stabilization needs, install additional support columns, and replace more aging
drainage structures. Phase 6 will continue to provide long-term rehabilitation
and stabilization work, including protecting the base of the bluffs against
additional bluff retreat. Simultaneously, to ensure the long-term viability of
the corridor, SANDAG is evaluating alternative strategies
to move the tracks completely off the bluffs.
Phase 5 of bluff stabilization is anticipated to begin in early 2024.
Importance of the LOSSAN Rail Line
The LOSSAN rail line is a vital component of the north-south
corridor through the San Diego region. The NCTD COASTER commuter rail service,
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner intercity service, and BNSF Railway freight service
all rely upon this segment of track to serve a combined 7.6 million passengers
a year and $1 billion in goods and services that are supported by rail line
reliability. In 2019, these services relied upon 44 passenger trains and 6
freight trains. By 2030 these numbers will have increased to 78 passenger
trains and 22 freight trains, only further illustrating the need for rail line
reliability. SANDAG is currently commissioning an in-depth analysis of the
economic impacts of LOSSAN rail corridor to the San Diego region.
